Wednesday, September 26, 2018

There are a lot of things our kids need to be successful in school: great teachers, good books and supplies and the latest technology.

But you know what our kids don’t need in the classroom? Guns.

Unbelievably, Donald Trump’s secretary of education, Betsy DeVos, wants to allow schools to buy guns with money that should be spent on books, computers and classroom supplies. We can’t let that happen.

For too long the gun lobby has put its profits over the safety of students, teachers and others in our communities who have experienced gun violence.

We have to draw a line and say there are some places the gun lobby will not own – and classrooms are one of them!

ADD YOUR NAME TO OUR PETITION to demand Congress reject this awful policy and get to work on real solutions to address gun violence, like universal background checks, a ban on bump stocks and high-capacity magazines and a reinstatement of the assault weapons ban.

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, I hope you’ll take just a moment to confirm that you’re registered to vote and ask your friends to do the same. With only six weeks before the election, it's all hands on deck, and I’m counting on you to make sure everyone you know gets to the polls.

Just head to iwillvote.com to check your registration, then pass on the link to a friend and ask them to check that they’re registered, too.

There are excellent candidates running all over the country who will raise wages, bring down health-care costs, fight for justice, and provide some much-needed congressional oversight of the White House. Today, make sure you're ready to vote for them by starting at iwillvote.com:

Sunday, September 23, 2018

So what Moral Absolutes am I Talking about? I have Discussed These in Earlier Posts, and on other Pages, but it is Important to Remember Them.

- Creating a National Health Care Plan that Benefits all Americans, by Making Medical Insurance Affordable and Accessible, is a MORAL DECISION THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BELIEVES IS A DUTY AND RESPONSIBILITY IT HAS TO THE CITIZENS OF THE U.S. To Some it will be an Immediate Benefit, to Others a Safety Net Against Loss of Employment and a Reduction in Financial Status. Many Americans may Never Need to Use it, but it REMAINS A SAFEGUARD TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELL- BEING OF ALL.

SO WHY IS IT A MORAL ABSOLUTE? THE "GOOD" THAT COMES FROM SUCH A LAW TRANSCENDS THE ECONOMIC POSITIVES OR NEGATIVES THAT MAY ISSUE FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS PLAN. IT IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE AN ETHICAL QUESTION THAT SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE WHIMS OF THE MAJORITY, WHICH WOULD MAKE IT IMPRACTICAL TO ADMINISTER IN THE LONG RUN.

There are PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS THAT CAN LEAD TO ECONOMIC BENEFITS FOR THE NATIONAL ECONOMY, THAT WILL BE A PRODUCT OF THIS NEW LAW. However, that is AN ANALYSIS THAT CANNOT BE DONE AT THE INITIAL STAGES OF IMPLEMENTING THE SYSTEM.

FOR NOW, IT IS SIMPLY THE "RIGHT" THING TO DO.

I will DISCUSS THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE LEGALIZATION OF SAME- SEX MARRIAGE IN THE NEXT POST.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

It’s been about nine months since I was sworn in for my second term as Virginia Attorney General, and I’ve been busy standing up for our shared values against a president whose agenda amounts to indulging special interests at the expense of hardworking Americans and undermining our democratic ideals at every turn.

I’m proud to stand with Attorneys General across the country to defend the rule of law and the rights of Americans being targeted by the Trump administration’s cruel policy agenda – from protecting women’s reproductive rights, to defending Americans with pre-existing conditions and fighting senseless gun violence.

Here’s a quick update on how we’ve held the Trump administration accountable:

"The thing about canons is that they seem sacred. Challenging them, even revisiting them, can seem heretical. Facing these facts is the first step in addressing the intransigence of the early modern philosophical canon..."Continue reading on the blog.

"In addition to the canonical greats of modern philosophy, such as Descartes, Locke, Leibniz and Hume, it is now becoming increasingly possible to add the names of women philosophers such as Cavendish, Conway, du Châtelet and Shephard..."Continue reading on the blog.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

With now less than 50 days left until the election, we’re rallying and registering voters and raising funds to support Democrats here in Virginia.

As you already know, this in an incredibly important election. Women’s rights, the environment, healthcare, and workers rights are all on the line. With the political divide between parties widening, we need to fill seats with Democrats now more than ever.

There are big fights ahead and they will be costly. We need all of the support you can spare.

There is also a special election on November 6th to fill a House of Delegates seat left vacant by Greg Habeeb. We can flip this district long held by Republicans, but we need contributions and votes.

You can help us to GOTV by registering voters at least 22 days before the general election and 13 days before a special election. Please share this email with family and friends so that they too can contribute to our movement and GOTV.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Jennifer BoyskoFinance Chair, Virginia Democratic House CaucusChair of Run Everywhere

And while I don’t want to take up your whole day -- here’s a crash course on why I’m running for Congress and what I’ll fight for in Washington.

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We must do whatever it takes to guaranteeevery American has access to affordable healthcare.Taking your child or parent to the doctor is far too expensive for far too many Ohioans. But while our seniors ration their medicine and wonder which bill they’ll ignore this month, Washington politicians are accepting millions from Big Pharma.

It’s time to clamp down on corruption and the partisan fighting that has damaged our healthcare system.

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That also meanswe must take better care of our veterans.We owe a debt to all those who fought for our country and they deserve quality health care -- and that must include mental health services and shorter wait times at the VA.

There’s no reason someone working full-time, even two jobs, shouldn’t be able to afford a roof over their head. We need tobring good-paying jobs to the Ohio 7thwith benefits and pensions that will stand the test of time.

That means kicking out politicians who answer only to Wall Street and never to Main Street.

Dear DAVID,The American Philosophical Association is now accepting nominations for APA leadership positions for terms beginning July 1, 2019.Visit the online nominations system.
There will be member vacancies on seventeen APA committees, as well as vacancies for associate chair positions on seven committees. There will be one vacancy for member-at-large of the board of officers, and four member vacancies on the graduate student council (GSC). Most committee terms are three years in length; GSC terms are for two years.
To see the full list of vacancies, and for more information, sign in to the nominations system using your APA member credentials.
Please note that both nominators and nominees must be current APA members. Please be sure to renew your membership. Self-nominations are welcome, and members may nominate or be nominated as many times as they wish.
We will only accept nominations through the online nominations system. Do not submit nominations via email, phone, or postal mail. The deadline to submit nominations is October 31, 2018.
Service on the board of officers, an APA committee, or the graduate student council is a significant opportunity for leadership in the profession and the association, and I encourage you to take the time to nominate qualified candidates for these important positions.
All the best,
Amy E. FerrerExecutive Director

Monday, September 17, 2018

On September 11th, 2001, we witnessed a despicable act of evil against our country. Every year, we honor the fallen and remember the families who lost loved ones 17 years ago.

This year, I was honored to speak at the Rhode Island State Police Remembrance Ceremony where we remembered the lives lost on this tragic day, including 9 of our own Rhode Islanders and more than 30 Rhode Islanders who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country in the wars of Afghanistan and Iraq. These men and women embody our country’s patriotism and resiliency.

We also honored the selfless first responders who rushed to the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania, along with veterans and the men and women of our Armed Forces who volunteered for the United States Military and who have deployed to dangerous places around the world since 9/11. As Americans, we are fortunate to live in a free and safe society because of the valiant efforts, brave actions, and extraordinary sacrifices of those who have served in our Armed Forces.

While the tragedy of that day irreparably altered our nation’s history, we should also recall the sense of unity which followed. Ordinary Rhode Islanders rose to the challenges and displayed tremendous courage. Thousands of our family members, friends, and neighbors volunteered to serve their nation in arms, and thousands others donated their time, money, or their blood to help victims of the attack recover and begin rebuilding their lives.

In the days, months, and years following 9/11, the acts of charity, sacrifice, and patriotism gave us all great confidence in the strength of our people and power of our nation. Though we saw the worst of humanity on September 11th, on September 12th, we saw the best of America. It showed us that when our country is united, there is nothing that can stand in our way.

FUNDING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Making sure young people have access to mental health services is something that is incredibly important. That’s why on Monday, I joined Governor Raimondo, my colleagues in the Rhode Island Congressional delegation, and the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) to announce a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support stronger mental and behavioral health services for Rhode Island students.

Submitted in partnership with the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF), the grant proposal will allow the two state agencies to improve and expand services in the Providence, Pawtucket, and Woonsocket pilot districts with a $1.8 million annual allocation that will impact nearly 40,000 students. RIDE and DCYF will also work with the districts and with community partners to increase awareness of mental health issues, provide training for school personnel, and connect students and families with the mental and behavioral health services they need. You can find out more information on this $9 million grant by clicking here .

FIRST RESPONDERS AND PUBLIC SAFETY

The brave men and women in our fire departments deserve access to the best equipment available to help keep them and our communities safe. That’s why I joined Senator Reed, Senator Whitehouse, and Congressman Langevin on Tuesday to announce the latest $382,000 grants being awarded to Rhode Island fire departments as a measure to upgrade essential safety equipment.

These federal funds are being awarded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. AFG grants are designed to supply critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources necessary to protect local communities.

The Smithfield Fire Department will use its $202,728 grant to purchase replacements for its outdated Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units. The old units are no longer compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards, and the replacement units will ensure effective emergency response by providing breathable air to firefighters during rescue operations and other situations involving toxic and dangerous air conditions.

Since 2001, Rhode Island fire departments and other first responders across the state have successfully secured more than $39 million in AFG awards to pay for equipment upgrades, protective gear, emergency vehicles, and training. I am proud to have advocated directly to FEMA with this latest grant to ensure funding for our firefighters and will continue working alongside my colleagues in the delegation to support vigorous funding for FEMA’s AFG program.

ROSH HASHANAH

This week, I joined family and friends in celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

The High Holy Days provide us an opportunity to contemplate the past year and to think about the coming year. In doing so, we consider how we can improve ourselves, our community, and the life of our nation. This is an important time for prayer and thoughtful reflection.

I wish everyone who celebrated, a sweet and happy New Year. Shanah Tovah.

As always, if you or someone you know has any questions or concerns, please call my office at 729-5600 or send me an email at David.Cicilline@mail.house.gov.